Expert: Kenneth D. Plonkey - 12/27/2007

Question
QUESTION: America has always been known as a melting pot and it still is today. Disney channel has a great way of portraying different ethnic groups, but I believe that you guys shouldn't limit yourself to Hispanic, African-American, and Caucasian; instead expand to different varieties like more Africans non African-American but Africans like myself. It is good for Americans to have knowledge that there is more out there than the typical person that you see on T.V. There's a lot of stereotyping out there but it would be different if we really showed a whole different culture that there is and maybe then we could have a diverse media
I was born in Somalia 1991. My mom passed away in Kenya when I was one. My dad had no choice but to take care of my sisters, my brother, and I. I have three older sisters, one brother, and I'm the youngest (yeah me). We came to America when I was five years old. We landed in Atlanta, Ga. My dad never remarried and that’s one of the reasons why he is my hero. Now, I want to take care of my dad since he took care of us all of our lives. My dad always said," Don't let no one get in between your dreams." I really want this opportunity, and I know there are millions out there that want to be in this industry, but I have to say to myself I'm different from them. (and yeah I’m sure you’ve heard that a million times as well) Another thing I always say to myself is, "No matter what I know I'll make it one way or another and every rejection will make me stronger." My dad taught me how to keep my head held up high.

I was inspired to act. I am now doing what I can to pursue this dream of becoming a star on Disney. I have zero experience, training, or background in the field of acting or anything related to it. However, I have practiced had home with the family and friends. I really believe I have what it takes to make it big. I know it will take much time, effort, and hard work. People might say, "Luuley I'm sure you can do this, but not now." No I know I can do it!!! I wish I was in LA or any place you can be discovered. If someone would just give me a chance I would have the strength to pull it off. I want that someone to be you. I would do anything to pursue my dreams. I have the greatest personality and I can relate to almost everyone in this world. I have the confident to be a STAR. Please, please and please you won't regret picking me!

My name is Luuley Ahmed Mohamed I WANT TO BE THE FIRST Somalian TEEN actress and I know that I want to be the FIRST. So, that I can give other Somalian/Africans the opportunity to do the same. I am a typical seventeen years old. I have my own problems like passing all my classes and fighting with my little nehpews, they can be a handful sometimes, but at the end of hard day is always good to come back home to family. I go to Shawnee Mission Northwest High School in Shawnee, Kansas. I don't play any sports or attend any clubs, because after school, I have to babysit my nephews. Everyone in my family has hopes and dreams. My oldest sister Amina wishes if she had her own hair salon. Fartun wishes she had her dream car, a Cadillac, and a house (oh yeah she getting married this summer). Amran, wishes she had all the clothes she wanted and a car. Well, you know what I wish for I wish if I could be a star, and grant all the wishes that my family asked for.
copyrighted 2007 ( lool)
well is not finished yet..

ANSWER: Hello Luuley, Well, if they read your story they just might contact you.  In most cases people have to get themselves to Los Angeles to interview or audition for Disney. One big hurdle that you face is that every other teen in the world wants to be on Disney.  I answer their questions here and on other forums every day.  Another thing is that you should be participating in the school plays.  I know you have to baby sit, but there may be a way for someone to help.  Look for it.  Finally, I leave you with something that Fredrick O'Neal, the late African-American president of the Actors Equity Association (the union for stage actors)told me.  He said, his father told him that he would have to remember that if he did not succeed as an actor it would not be because he was black, but because he was not good enough. The stage and screen industry in this country is the most integrated of all businesses.  I wish you all the luck in the world with your dream,which I fear is quite unrealistic given your situation.  I do hope I am wrong and they send a limo for you.  Best Wishes, Doc

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QUESTION: thank you, thank you, and thank you I really love your answer

Well I'm in drama class should I add that to my story..well the reason I have not been any of the plays..one reason is baby-sitting..and the second reason is..well our school is like this....the same people get to audition and they always end up in the play..but I'll try and audition for the next play...thank you for time

ANSWER: Glad you liked my answer.  Ever think of why the same people audition and get cast all the time?  Maybe they are the ones who help on crews and backstage and all that.If the school has no prerequisite like, being in Drama II or something, and everyone can tryout if they want to , then do it.  Have you talked to the drama teacher about  your dream? Couldn't hurt. Go to her and say you want to help with the plays and eventually be in them because someday you'd like to be an actres (Leave out the Disney details, just complicates things)  Best wishes, Doc

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QUESTION: well I've talked to her she told me I can be an Actress..we do act in her class we do little plays...but I don't want to be rude or anything that teacher don't teach us nothing and she only cares about the people in the play and she always talk about them...I read a lot of books about Acting...I know how to act..but people don't believe in me..i just want to prove them wrong

Answer
Here is what you do.  Be the very  best student in your class (even if you don't care for it).  Find out what you can do to help with the play even if you are not in it.  
Then we will do something special.  Write to me at kencosp@aol.com and I will discuss acting with you and teach you more about it.  I want you to send me a list of the books you have read to that address as well.  Then we can have a better conversation that at this forum.  OK? Doc